MOSCOW, Nov 3 - Russia has shrugged off the latest round of U.S. sanctions imposed over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, asserting that Moscow cannot be defeated by such measures. The Russian Foreign Ministry's spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, referred to the sanctions as part of a strategic plan to inflict a so-called "defeat" on Russia during an interview with state television.

The United States announced sanctions on Thursday, targeting various aspects of Russia's energy capabilities, such as sanctions evasion and the use of a suicide drone that has posed a threat to Ukrainian troops and equipment. These sanctions extended to hundreds of individuals and entities involved in the conflict.

Zakharova's comments reflect a longstanding tension between Western leaders and Moscow, as both sides maintain diverging views on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While Western leaders and Ukraine have expressed a desire to defeat Russia militarily, President Vladimir Putin has accused the West of plotting to divide Russia and steal its natural resources.

Despite the stringent nature of the sanctions imposed by the United States in an attempt to destabilize the Russian economy, President Putin remains confident in his country's resilience. The International Monetary Fund has forecasted a growth rate of 2.2% for Russia this year, outpacing the United States and the Euro area. However, the IMF recently revised its growth forecast for Russia in 2024 to 1.1%.

Western nations have frozen significant amounts of Russian assets and funds, but Putin has dismissed their impact, highlighting ongoing imports of Western luxury goods. He has suggested that Russia will undermine the sanctions by procuring desired items from global markets.

In addition to economic measures, the United States is also aiming to reduce Russia's liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to Europe. While Europe has banned Russian gas transported via pipelines, the impact on LNG shipments is uncertain. One major Russian LNG producer, Novatek, had begun preparing for Arctic-2 LNG project exports, which are now potentially in jeopardy due to the new sanctions.

Leonid Mikhelson, the CEO of Novatek, addressed the sanctions during a conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, stating that they served as a testament to the company's professionalism.

The latest round of U.S. sanctions against Russia signals continued tensions between the two nations. As both sides strive to assert their interests, the economic impact of the sanctions and Russia's ability to navigate them remains to be seen.